Category: life lessons

Have you ever drove down the road and seen trash scattered, or bags to be picked up? Have you seen someone’s vehicle that you can’t sit in because they haven’t cleaned it in years? Well our lives are pretty similar.

Just like the trash scattered all over the roads, we can scatter our “trash” as well. Think of a time you said something to someone that wasn’t nice when you were angry or hurt. Most people do that to try to make themselves feel better, or keep from getting hurt.

When honestly it is not making things better. As that words that got tossed out of your mouth has hurt someone. Just like the trash it can kill or hurt animals or other people.

We don’t think it’s a big deal, as we don’t deal with it. Someone else usually has to come through and clean up the mess.

Now there are times when you get called out for throwing trash out. But that doesn’t mean to keep it bottled up. That can be just as bad.

If we don’t properly handle your trash, it can destroy you. Just like a car that no one cleans out.

If we keep holding things in, whether it’s because too nice or too scared, it doesn’t end well. All their frustrations keep piling up, and they have no release. They have so much built up fear, frustration, disappointments, and negativity, that eventually there is no room for anyone else. Just like the car, if you can’t keep it clean, who wants to ride with you?

Whether you throw out trash, or keep it piled up, there is an answer! The answer is simple: leave your trash at the altar!

The only one that is strong enough to handle our problems or who can clean us up, is God. If we take it to the altar, leave everything there! Don’t throw it out to have others have to clean it up. Don’t hold it inside to build up. Take it to the garbage can and get rid of it!

The altar is there to be our garbage can. All our problems, hate, emotions, struggles, and whatever else we are struggling with.

The altar is there to help us make amends, open our hearts, and minds in order to clean us.

So when we are faced with difficulties, instead of throwing it out the window to affect others, or keeping it bottled up, take it to the altar!

We have the power to control our lives as God gave us the power to choose. He also gave us the tools to become greater than we are today! Many of us, don’t ever reach our destiny as we stay in the same ruts.

Just like four wheeling, if you keep driving down the same ruts, they will just keep getting deeper. If we keep going down the same path, it only gets harder to get out.

Now I’m not saying it is impossible, as with God anything is possible. But it is easier at times to stay in those ruts as we already know what to expect.

Now imagine going down those ruts, and you start climbing up, just to slide back down. To some it’s scary as they feel like anytime they start getting somewhere, something happens and they slide back down. At that point you have a choice.

One of your choices are to stay in that rut and give up trying. This will lead to despair, regret, anger, and depression. Many people feel they are too weak to go on, or it’s pointless. I’ve been down this road a few times, and it is easy to get sucked back down. I had one person tell me once, if you think you are beaten, then you are. Part of overcoming obstacles is our outlook. Which leads to the other choice and that is to try again!

If you keep struggling and not getting the outcome you want, STOP! Take a step back, and think of what you truly want. The people who are experienced at four wheeling, usually know what to do in situations. Do you know why that is?

They have experienced it, or have learned from someone else who has. They know how to get out of those ruts that suck you down. They don’t go in the mud hole thinking they will fail. They go in with confidence that they will prevail!

For any trial we go through, we should do the same. Face it knowing that we have an amazing God who has the power to perform miracles! I always say this and will say it again: For one negative, think of at least 3 positives.

It’s hard at first, but I promise it makes a difference. I was in a few ruts and didn’t know how to get out. I thought I was stuck and no matter what I couldn’t get out. Then I got stronger, spiritually and mentally. I overcame those obstacles.

I won’t lie and say it’s easy now, as you will always have battles you are faced with. If you seek God, the devil will try to put you in deep ruts, sometimes some that you don’t think is possible to get out of! That is just life unfortunately. What you can control is how you respond to these obstacles.

God has gave us the tools we need to become greater. He’s given us the power to overcome as well as free will to choose. It is on us to figure out if we are going to choose the path meant for us or the path that leads to nowhere. For if we choose God, the end of our road leads to glory, to me that is worth all the struggles!

I’ve been blessed to meet and spend some time with a lot of the girls that are going to the NFR this year. They are truly amazing.

I have to say before everybody starts in on their couch jockeying, I want to ask you guys if you guys have ever heard of the verse, “He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her”? Now I know the lady in the Bible did less than desirable things, but haven’t we all made mistakes? It is not our job to point out others faults.

These girls have worked their butts off! They have made it through blood, sweat, and tears. They have endured mental and physical exhaustion, pain, loss of loved ones, and broken bones just to be able to do what they love, what God called them for. See we’re all unique, each and everyone of us. We are all bound for greatness if we just trust God and follow his path. The girls I have met, their faith is strong and they honestly love to encourage others. They don’t like to tear people down, they work together although they’re competing for the same prize. They would love to get that gold buckle, but to get to heaven is so much more rewarding. They have put in miles upon miles, they have missed family gatherings, birthdays, loved ones. They have always tried to keep a smile on their face even in times of trouble because others are watching them.

What you don’t see is all the hard work that it takes to get where they are behind closed doors. So before you pass judgment realize that no one is perfect, every single person on this earth makes mistakes. I challenge each and every couch jockey out there that thinks that they can do such a better job riding these horses in that arena. I challenge you to get off your butt and do it. Sitting there is not going to accomplish anything, sitting there complaining is not going to make yourself feel better, sitting there will prevent you from accomplishing what God wants you to do. So instead of being that person who says the girl riding should’ve done this or she should’ve done that, or I could ride that horse better, STOP! I challenge you to start thinking of the positives. I guarantee that each one of those ladies that made it to the NFR don’t criticize others. They know that everybody starts at the bottom and has to work their way up to the top. They have a huge passion for the rodeo and to make the sport better not worse they encourage others and cheer each other on. They are not happy when someone has a bad run. They know at the end of the day gold buckles are just buckles, and true championships is not won here on earth. The true goal is to get to heaven, so instead of criticizing these girls performances, be a light! They are under so much stress and it’s not all fun going to Vegas, it’s a lot of hard work, it’s grueling and they don’t get sleep. They could definitely use some encouraging words during this time but if you’re still adamant that you can do better than any of these girls then what I challenge you is to get off your butt and do it because actions speak a whole lot more than words, talking is overrated.

I wrote this a few years ago when thinking about faith and feel this is true even today!

As I am sitting here waiting on my food, I heard a lady on the radio talking about brushing her teeth really good before going to the dentist. Then it hit me, our faith is like brushing our teeth.

Most people brush their teeth every day, some multiple times. The reason we do is to keep the bad stuff off our teeth. We go to the dentist when we have bad stuff that we can’t get off our teeth and although sometimes it hurts, it is worth it in the end. Same goes for faith!

Some pray every day, some multiple times a day. Some even go the extra mile and walk in faith and do good unto others, think of this as flossing and mouth rinse.

When we have a problem we can’t take care of right away, we go to the Lord. That is when he cleans us, he cuts the bad out of us and sometimes it hurts, sometimes we lose things we don’t want to, but in the end, we all have a purpose and it is worth it.

We don’t understand some things but we know the pain will not last although at times it feels like it will. So instead of trying to do a “thorough cleaning” shortly before you go to the Lord, cause you know you wont be able to get everything, show faith.

Remember Pray daily, and have faith. Now remember there will be times, where no matter what you do there will still be bad stuff, but always know the Lord is there to help you get through it. Felisha Whitman

I’m at a point in my life where I’m kind of stuck at a crossroad. I thank God every day for everything I have as he has provided me so much.

But sometimes I wonder if I meant for more sometimes I wonder if I’m on the right path. Before my accident I thought I knew what I was meant to do. But now there is a possibility that might not happen. I love horses and I know getting back on one is going to take a lot of work for myself. As when I got on my mom’s horse for that short time I was scared.

I don’t know what my journey may hold. I just know that no matter what I’ve got to keep trying. I am trying to live day by day instead of in the what if’s or future as tomorrow is never promised to anyone.

I love my life and if I wore to die today I would be happy. I get to live in the country, have my horses, work at an amazing place, I have wonderful family. I am no longer living in a world of regret.

I know everything happens for a reason and eventually some of those reasons come to light, other times they do not.

I know it’s hard, but I’m learning that just because your path changes directions, doesn’t mean the end. It just means the next road may be a detour and you will end on the same path. Or it could mean that where you end up is greater. God only knows and as long as we trust him, things will work out!

Never take anything for granted! No minute of the day is ever promised. So when you are struggling, remember someone else is wishing they could be in your position.

For those who go to a race and don’t clock to get a check, tip over barrels, still stuck in the 5D, be grateful. There is someone out there that would love the opportunity to be doing what you are doing. They would love to be able to go down that alley or even just ride a horse.

Sometimes our life changes, and so must our plans. Just because you are blessed to do something one day, doesn’t mean you can tomorrow. It doesn’t mean give up, you just have to adjust to your new normal.

This picture means so much to me and reminds me of how blessed I am.

The guy in the back, his name is Pastor Tim Wallace. He served the Lord and meant a lot to many. He is no longer with us. He didn’t lose his battle to cancer, he won. His faith stayed true during his trials and now he’s being rewarded greatly, with no pain!

This horse, Pacer, was another blessing. She was all heart and no matter what I asked, she gave it her all. I didn’t get to ride her but a few years because of an injury from her race track years.

Then there is myself, who loves barrel racing. I was truly blessed as there was a barrel race every night of the week where I live. I had dreams and goals of my own. But it wasn’t what God had planned at that time.

I got in a wreck and almost 2 years later, I am just able to ride a very broke horse. Only God knows if I will ever compete again.

I know that everything works out in Gods timing, but I would love to be able to run down that alley again. I remember those days that I was frustrated when we tipped a barrel or wasn’t clocking. But now, I would love to be able to do that again.

Life changes, faster than what we would like. Our great horses, family, & friends, leave us sometimes without even a warning.

So don’t take anything for granted and enjoy your time on earth! If you love it find a way. If you don’t move on. Life is too short to be worrying and living in the what if’s! Live in the right now! If you can’t do something you love anymore, find the positive in every situation!

“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.” Colossians 3:23-24

No two people are alike and we all have special talents. It’s what we do with them, that truly matters! Our jobs are not just a way for bills to be paid.

Take parenthood for example, it’s not done for the pay. I know some get paid, but if it’s about the money, you are in it for the wrong reasons. Parenting is a hard job, that takes dedication, compassion, and faith to get through the times of sorrow. It is probably one of the most difficult, yet rewarding jobs out there.

There are many other professions that people can do. It should not be about how much money we make. It should be about how we can serve others.

You see, any profession, is a service to others as well as God. God let us have those skills to do great things. So if we always try to please our Holy Father, we will continue to do good work.

We should use our skill set for good and not evil. If you go into a profession because it pays good, then you will never truly experience the rewards God has in store.

God watches us every day, and he knows what is in our hearts. If you are working hard and don’t think anyone notices you are wrong! God notices it and he is the ultimate boss! If you make him happy, you will have bigger bonuses than you can ever imagine!

So I challenge each and every one of you, to find what you love! Then make a living doing it, while serving others and the Lord!

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